The Fifth Set: Tigers Push Two Matches to the Limit, Leave Empty-Handed

Mizzou volleyball suffered two heartbreaking five-set losses on Friday during the Bowling Green/Toledo Invitational. The Tigers fell to Dayton 3-2 before being defeated by Toledo 3-2, leaving them with two additional defeats to add to their record. However, the match provided valuable lessons for the team as they prepare for the final game of the weekend.

Against Dayton, Mizzou overcame an early deficit to take control of the third set and force a deciding frame. Key contributors to the offense included Grace O’Reilly and Kimani Johnson, who both set career highs in kills. O’Reilly finished with 19 kills and a .419 hitting percentage, while Johnson added 18 kills and a .421 hitting percentage.

Freshman Maizy Agnello also contributed significantly, recording a career-high 11 kills and six digs. Despite their efforts, Mizzou fell short in the fifth set after Dayton made the final two points count. The following day, Toledo presented Mizzou with another five-set opportunity. The Tigers had to fight from behind after dropping the opening two sets, but responded with their best stretch of the match.

Paige Felder led the comeback with a career-high 16 kills, and Agnello added 10 more kills. Tia Phinezy also made an impact at the net with a season-high six blocks. However, Toledo's fifth set proved too much to overcome, as the Rockets took the match 15-10. Sierra Dudley provided another bright spot for Mizzou with her first double-double of the season, recording 18 assists and 14 digs.

Despite the two losses, Mizzou has shown the ability to respond when momentum shifts against them. The team will face Bowling Green on Saturday to close out the weekend, with the opportunity to turn a frustrating Friday into something more constructive.